Online chess platform Chess.com has announced ‘major changes’ to the qualifying cycle for the 2026 Esports World Cup.
Following this year’s Champions Chess Tour, Chess.com seeks to address the inaugural season’s short qualification window to make it ‘more competitive’ going forward.
“In this next season, we are doubling down in every way, with bigger prize funds, more qualification paths, more broadcasts, and a live final,” commented Danny Rensch, Chess.com’s Chief Chess Officer.
“The 2025-2026 cycle is going to be incredible, and we can’t wait to launch it.”
What Changes are Coming?
For the 2025/2026 season, Chess.com will combine three circuits into one: Titled Tuesday, Speed Chess Championship (SCC), and the returning Chess.com Global Championship (CGC). These will form the new Champions Chess Tour, qualifying 12 players for next year’s Esports World Cup.
Titled Tuesday offers three splits running from September 2025 to May 2026, where players earn points for their best eight performances.
SCC offers $250,000 (~£186,400) in prize pool funds, running from October 2025 to the live final in February 2026. Finally, the CGC returns, offering $250,000 as well, with Qualifiers in March 2026 and Playoffs concluding in May.
The top three players from SCC and CGC each will qualify, alongside six of the best players from the Champions Chess Tour leader board.
Magnus Carlsen, the winner of the 2025 Esports World Cup Chess tournament, said: “I’m excited for a second year of EWC Chess. This new qualification cycle means more events and more chances for the world’s best players to meet me back in Riyadh.”
The post online also shared details about the next State of Chess broadcast, scheduled to take place after Tilted Tuesday begins on September 2nd, 2025. The show will be shared through the official Chess Twitch and YouTube channels.
The show will be presented by Rensch, sharing more information about the Esports World Cup cycle this year, updates to Chess.com, partnerships, alongside a Q&A with the Chief Chess Officer.
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